Weekly Health Tips

Processed Meats and Cardiac Risk

Posted: 03.31.2015

Limiting your intake of ham, salami, bacon or other processed meats may help reduce your risk of heart failure. A recent study found an association between moderate intake (about 2.5 oz. a day) and a 28% higher risk of heart failure. The link may be due to the high sodium content of processed meats as well as other food additives such as nitrites and phosphates. However, unprocessed meats were not linked with increased risk. Another study found that those who ate the most processed meats (3.5 oz. per day) had a higher mortality rate those who ate none. These studies don't prove cause-and-effect, only an association.